Crate Training A Puppy

Englewood, CO (PRWEB) September 29, 2008

Keep dogs safe during Halloween — the most dangerous holiday for dogs — with tips from Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Based on the expertise of Bark Busters’ network of dog behavioral therapists, who have successfully trained over 400,000 dogs worldwide, these guidelines for dog owners help ensure the safety of pets during fright night.

“Throughout our network of 255 franchises nationwide, we hear about more dogs dying or straying during Halloween than any other holiday,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “Halloween is intended to scare and startle us–making it a haunting holiday for dogs, too. By being more sensitive to dogs’ fear-driven ‘fight or flight’ instincts, we can help keep our furry friends safe this Halloween.”

Halloween brings a fun time for most of us, but for some of our much-loved four-legged family members, Halloween can be a nightmare. Dog owners may not be able to control external surroundings, but they can care for their dog’s safety and well being by observing the following tips from the world’s largest dog training company, Bark Busters:

-Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. If your dog is usually kept outside, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him used to being indoors. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

-Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression, and chance of running outside and becoming lost.

-Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

-Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

-Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar — just in case.

-Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies — especially chocolate–are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size, and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. If you have any concerns at all, consult with a veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your dog safe, make certain that sweets, including their wrappers, are kept well away from your dog.

-Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn

-Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If so, fine–he’ll most likely enjoy himself and the extra attention it brings. However, if he shows any resistance, don’t do it. Dogs feel enough stress around Halloween without also having to endure the discomfort and peculiarity of wearing a strange costume.

-Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner’s consent.

-Have fun but think of your dog’s safety. Finally, if you want your dog to be included in Halloween festivities, think about his safety much as you would the safety of a small child. Your dog does not understand Halloween, so he needs you to provide the guidance and safety that you always do.

Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities on correcting dog behavior. The Bark Busters training system can successfully train any dog, including a puppy. The company’s natural training technique leverages the same communications methods–body language and voice control–that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality. For more information or to locate a trainer, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit http://www.BarkBusters.com.

About Bark Busters: Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, nearly 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 250+ franchised offices in 42 U.S. and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers a written lifetime guarantee. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer has received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit http://www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs’ behavior.

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Englewood, Colo. (PRWEB) October 27, 2008

From dogs evacuated during hurricanes and abandoned to shelters, to the thousands of racing greyhounds disposed of every year, shelters are overflowing with dogs waiting to be rescued. Shelter dogs come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and it is important to know how to help a dog make the transition from a shelter to a new home. To help families who are willing to rescue a shelter dog, Bark Busters – the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company – provides guidelines to better manage the adoption.

“Dogs need order and leadership,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “They are pack animals, so you must be the ‘pack leader’ to ensure that your dog knows that you’re the boss. Dog owners may not know the temperament of their shelter dog, but they can make the transition from shelter to home easier, faster and more rewarding by having a set of house rules.

The following tips can help ensure a smooth transition:

Before You Bring Your New Dog Home: Hold a family meeting to create rules about caring for the dog. Will he be allowed on the couch, the bed, and in all rooms of the house? Where will he sleep and eat? Who will be responsible for feeding? Who will walk him and clean up after him? As a family, you must all be consistent with your decisions or you will confuse the dog, typically resulting in the dog making his own rules and causing unnecessary tension, which can lead to undesirable behavior.

Have the necessary items your dog will need from the start: ID tags, a collar and a 6 foot leash, food and water bowls, food, dog toys, a crate and bedding, and basic grooming tools.

Plan to bring your new dog home on a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. You will want that time to get to know each other and to establish rules and a trusting relationship.

Just before you bring your dog into the home, take him for a walk to tire him out a little. Walks are not only good exercise, but they also serve as a training tool and an opportunity to establish yourself as the pack leader.

Establish Ground Rules in the First Days: At first, limit your dog to one room or area. Allow him time to familiarize himself with the smells and sounds of his new home. Try to limit your time away from home those first days; your spending time with him will help him to become more comfortable in his new home.

Keep your dog on leash for the first few weeks so you can immediately teach him what behaviors are and are not acceptable.

Expect housetraining accidents. Your dog is in a new territory and is establishing a new routine, so accidents probably will happen. Review housetraining information available from the shelter, your veterinarian or your local Bark Busters trainer. The key is to be consistent and maintain a routine.

Dogs instinctively like to den, and a crate makes the ideal place for your dog to sleep and get away from household hubbub. A crate also makes housetraining and training easier, but limit the amount of time the dog is crated. The crate should be roomy enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. An alternative to a crate is to confine him in a dog-proofed part of your home, such as a laundry or mud room. You can use a baby gate or dog gate to block off the area from the rest of the house.

Most shelter dogs have been given basic vaccinations and many have already been spayed/neutered. It is important that your dog is examined by a veterinarian within a week after adoption for a health check.

For the first few days, limit guest visits to allow your dog to get comfortable with his new family. When you do have guests, ask their help in training your dog by instructing them to not pay attention to him until he has calmed down. One way to communicate this request is to post a sign on your front door informing visitors that you have a new dog in training.

A Trained Dog Makes for a Happy Human-Canine Bond: Get guidance for training your dog. A well-trained dog is a happier dog and a joy to have around.

Dogs need a pack leader. If they don’t have one, then they try to become the leader, which can create numerous behavioral problems. Thus, you–and all people in your home (other than children under 12)–need to be the pack leader. Practice obedience training, set rules and apply them calmly and consistently, and praise your dog’s good behavior. He will see you as his pack leader and will bond more quickly to you.

It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable and what is not. Dogs have a language of their own, and once we understand it, we can communicate better what we expect of them.

A Bright Future: Hats off to you for bringing home a shelter dog! Your patience and training will help to create a bond that will reward you both for years to come. With the right balance of discipline, understanding and affection, your shelter dog will become a loyal, grateful and loving companion.

Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists, such as Liam Crowe, are renowned authorities in understanding, correcting and managing dog behavior. The Bark Busters training system can successfully train any dog, including a puppy. The company’s natural training technique leverages the same communications methods–body language and voice control–that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality. All training takes place right in the home where most problems generally occur. In every market where Bark Busters is established, a majority of veterinarians familiar with the technique recommend the company’s services.

About Bark Busters: Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, nearly 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 250+ franchised offices in 42 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit http://www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs’ behavior.

Contact: Lauren Rerucha 303-921-1155 laurenrerucha@barkbusters.com

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Englewood, CO (PRWEB) November 13, 2008

As stories of Barney the White House Dog biting a reporter surface, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, sheds light on the incident. Bark Busters explains why Barney bit the reporter and how you can prevent your dog from doing the same.

“Barney was not in the mood for attention from the reporter,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “Whether he was angry about the election or just unsure of the reporter, Barney’s body language showed the reporter that he wasn’t interested in the attention. By watching a dog’s body language, incidents such as these are easily avoidable.”

Why did Barney bite the reporter? 1. Barney was on a leash, with no way to escape. Dogs on leash are often more tense or on edge because they cannot flee in a moment of conflict.

2. Barney’s body language was very clear: “Leave me alone!” His body language showed that he was feeling scared or nervous. His ears were back, tail was down, head was down, body was very still. He was not looking at anyone and was trying to avoid conflict.

3. When the reporter bent down to pet him, he hovered over him, and Barney possibly saw that as a physical confrontation. After all his other warning signals went unnoticed, Barney reacted and bit Associated Press reporter Jon Decker.

How could this have been avoided? Never assume a dog wants to be petted. Allow the dog to come into your space, as opposed to you invading his like this reporter did. Allow the dog to smell you but don’t put your hand out – let the dog come close to you on his own terms. Face the dog at all times but don’t make eye contact with the dog or stare – this can be perceived as a sign of aggression.

Although Barney won’t have to deal with reporters and paparazzi for much longer, it is important to know why he lashed out. Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists, such as Liam Crowe, are renowned authorities in the area of correcting dog behavior. The Bark Busters training system can successfully train any dog, even puppies. The company’s natural training technique leverages the same communication methods – body language and voice control – that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality.

About Bark Busters: Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, nearly 400,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With 250+ franchised offices in 42 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit http://www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs’ behavior.

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More How To House Train A Puppy Press Releases

Englewood, Colo. (PRWEB) June 24, 2009

With the excitement and commotion surrounding Independence Day, Bark Busters, the world’s largest and most trusted dog training company, offers helpful tips for the estimated 43 million U.S. dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and calm during July 4th festivities.

“Independence Day celebrations are great fun for people, but the loud noises and flashes from fireworks can be traumatic for dogs,” says Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “The explosions, excited voices, and visual stimulation can create confusion and fear. To avoid this, we humans must intervene.”

“Animal shelters report that the July 4th holiday brings record numbers of runaway dogs to their doors,” Crowe continued. “Many of these dogs have been frightened by fireworks. By being aware and thinking ahead, we can keep our dogs safe and comfortable during the revelry.”

Bark Busters offers the following tips for dog owners to prepare for Independence Day:

If you are going to a fireworks display, leave your dog at home where he will be the most safe and comfortable. If you go to a holiday event, never leave your dog in the car. A partially opened window does not supply sufficient fresh air, and it creates an opportunity for your pet to be stolen. Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets out. Talk to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip in your pet, and make sure that your veterinary clinic and animal shelter have your correct contact information in their database. Don’t leave your dog outside. If you cannot bring him inside, cover his dog house with a blanket to protect him from the bursts of bright lights and loud bangs. A dog’s sense of hearing is acute–about four times more sensitive than humans’. Create a special den-like area in your home where your dog feels safe. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for him. Some dogs become destructive when frightened. If you don’t use a crate, remove any items in the room which your dog could destroy or which could hurt him if he chewed them. Keep your dog away from the front and back doors. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others or cause him to dart out the door. Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio at normal volume to distract your dog from loud noises and help him to relax. If possible, stay with your pet during the majority of the fireworks. A dog often reacts more intensely to loud sounds and flashes of lights when you are not with him. Consider hiring a pet sitter to stay with your dog while you are away from home.

“July 4 is a time for fun and celebration,” Crowe said. “By taking these precautions, you and your pets can have a safe and happy holiday experience.”

Bark Busters dog behavioral therapists are renowned authorities in correcting and managing dog behavior. Bark Busters’ natural training system can successfully train any dog, even a puppy, by leveraging the same communications methods–body language and voice control–that dogs follow as part of their instinctual pack mentality. Many of our clients require only one home visit from a Bark Busters-certified dog behavioral therapist if owners continue with follow-up exercises just 10 to15 minutes a day for several weeks. All training takes place right in the home where the problems generally occur. And Bark Busters’ training is the only service of its kind that is guaranteed for the life of the dog. In every market where Bark Busters is established, a majority of veterinarians familiar with the technique recommend the company’s services.

About Bark Busters: Liam Crowe is CEO of Bark Busters and a master dog behavioral therapist. Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training. company, has trained more than 500,000 dogs worldwide using its all-natural, dog-friendly methods. Bark Busters training is the only service of its kind that offers a guaranteed lifetime support. With hundreds of offices in 42 states and 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to enhance the human-canine relationship and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment, and euthanasia of companion dogs. For more details, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit BarkBusters.com to find a dog trainer. in your area, complete a Dog Behavior Quiz, or learn about becoming a Bark Busters franchise owner.

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Englewood, CO (PRWEB) July 22, 2009

As summer ends and kids head back to school, Bark Busters — the world’s largest dog training company — offers tips to help families avoid behavioral issues with their dogs that often accompany this transition. By providing training and the right combination of food, shelter and entertainment, families can help their canine companions adapt to a new schedule.

“When kids go back to school, the stress can be huge on the family, including the dog” says Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “This abrupt change in routine can seriously affect our furry friends, who are creatures of habit. But with a little understanding and preparation before the first day of class, families can avoid many of the back-to-school behavior problems their dogs might display.”

Separation Anxiety With everyone gone to work or school during the day, dogs left alone can become stressed, often resulting in destructive behaviors and endless barking. These tips can help reduce the potential anxiety of separation.

Pay less attention to him: While your dog may be the center of attention when the kids are home all day, you need to change this scenario before they return to school so that he can adjust more quickly to the quiet time. About a week before school starts, pay increasingly less attention to your dog each day. Start early: A few weeks before your children return to school, get your dog used to being alone. Begin by separating him from the kids and the rest of the family. For example, if you frequently take your dog with you to run errands, leave him at home. Practice leaving the house: Go through the motions of leaving the house, go out the door, but then come right back in again. The dog will cease associating the routine of your leaving the house with your departure. This will help him to be more relaxed when you actually leave. When you leave: As the last person leaves the house for the day, don’t confuse your dog by saying in a sweet voice, “It’s okay, Buster–we’ll be home soon. Be a good boy.” If he is feeling concerned that you’re leaving, your happy, high-pitched voice can make him think it’s okay to feel anxious. Dogs are pack animals and so they expect their leaders to be strong when they leave the pack. Therefore, ignore your dog for about 10 minutes before you leave.

Boredom Dogs sleep a lot during the day, but when they wake up, they want something to do. It doesn’t take much to entertain a dog, even when you’re not at home.

Toys: Dogs love toys, but they can quickly get bored with or destroy them. Buy high-quality, virtually indestructible puzzle toys that your dog will always enjoy, such as those that hold treats like the Buster Cube? and KONG?. Every few days, rotate what toys are available to him. This gives your dog something new and fun to hold his interest. Scatter food: Dogs are natural foragers who enjoy looking for food on the ground–and will literally spend hours doing so. Scatter a variety of foods–such as bits of raw vegetables, dog kibble, and other foods that won’t attract wasps–around the yard when you leave. Try hiding a few treats so your dog spends extra time looking for them. And always provide lots of fresh, clean water to keep your dog well hydrated.

Shelter Dogs need to have their own “home,” a place where they feel secure and comfortable. If your dog doesn’t already have a place of his own, create one for him.

Crate: Most dogs love the safety of a crate. Because they are descended from animals that live in dens, a crate is a natural shelter for a dog because it has the same characteristics of a den. If your dog hasn’t been crate trained, don’t start training him the day the kids leave for school. That’s too late and can actually add to his stress. When your dog has become accustomed to his new crate, do not leave him there for extended periods of time. If you plan to be away longer than 10 hours for a dog and 6 hours for a puppy, ask a friend to come by to let your dog out to toilet during that time. Laundry room: If your dog will be inside all day and you are concerned about him toileting in the house, enclose him in a small room (which inhibits the tendency to toilet) and has an easy-clean floor of vinyl or tile (in case he has an accident). Place a soft bed and toys in the room for him too. Doghouse: If your dog will be kept outside while you are gone, be sure he has shelter in which to get out of the weather. Dogs are more relaxed when they are covered and in familiar surroundings. Place the doghouse next to the house so that he feels like it is an extension of the larger “den,” and provide a blanket or other comfy bedding.

Unusual Behavior When dogs are stressed, they can begin to exhibit unusual behaviors, such as jumping up or even biting. It is not uncommon for children to come home from school and be greeted by the dog in an unnecessarily rough manner, even knocking a child to the floor. After being left alone all day, the dog has pent-up energy–and when he sees the kids, his excitement might cause him to overreact.

Train the kids: Parents need to train their children to avoid going right to the dog’s area as soon as they get home. Kids should ignore the pet for five minutes or so to allow him to settle down. With young children, it is always best to have a parent present to reduce the chance of a problem. Once your dog learns the routine, he will relax. Train your dog: It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable and what is not. Dogs have a language of their own and once we understand it, we can easily control them by “speaking their language.” Bark Busters specializes in using dogs’ natural, instinctive communication methods as the way to train them. It’s simple, and it works.

About Bark Busters: Bark Busters, the world’s largest, most trusted dog training company, started in Australia in 1989 and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, over 500,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods. With approximately 250 franchised offices in 40 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to build a global network of dog behavioral therapists to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the “Best of the Best” in its category. No other training company or dog trainer has received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit http://www.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs’ behavior.

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More How To House Train A Puppy Press Releases

Englewood, CO (PRWEB) November 29, 2010

In the spirit of the coming season, Bark Busters, the world?s largest dog training company, offers helpful holiday tips for dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and happy during the holidays.

?In planning for this season?s holiday festivities, it is important to keep your pets in mind. While most of us welcome the sights, sounds and smells of the season, holidays can also be chaotic?especially for dogs,? said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. ?Holiday festivities can interrupt a dog?s routine and present a potentially unsafe situation. But by following a few common-sense tips, the holidays can be cheery for everyone?including the family dog.?

Holiday foods can be harmful